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A teaser image of the Acura RDX Prototype released prior to the 2018 Detroit auto show (image: Acura).

Acura teases RDX replacement for Detroit auto show

2017-12-21
Bill Visnic

Acura confirmed it will join what’s certain to be a number of other automakers revealing new or revised SUVs at January’s Detroit auto show, releasing before the holidays a teaser image of the prototype for the next generation of its strong-selling RDX midsize crossover.

The company said the new third-generation RDX Prototype represents “the most extensive Acura redesign in more than a decade,” and added the crossover was for the first time designed and developed in the U.S. Significantly, the brand also said the new RDX is built on an Acura-exclusive architecture.

Perhaps equally important, by drawing on Acura’s Precision Cockpit concept, the next-generation RDX will feature an all-new user interface and operating system, a tantalizing promise as automakers and suppliers scramble to improve the HMI experience in general and in particular continue to explore the best ways to integrate increasing ADAS features and automated-driving capabilities.

With the RDX, Acura will join several automakers that are continuing to expand or redesign their SUV lineups. Toyota’s Lexus upscale division, for one, also announced prior to the Detroit auto show that it planned to unveil a concept flagship crossover called LF-1 Limitless at the Detroit confab and Mercedes-Benz was expected to uncloak a redesigned version of its evergreen G-Class SUV.